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Myanmar’s shadow government slams junta ruler for taking PM position

Monday, 02 August 2021 3:24 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 02 August 2021 3:30 PM ]

The file photo, taken on March 19, 2021, shows protesters taking cover behind makeshift barricades during a demonstration against the coup, in Yangon’s Thaketa township. (Via AFP)

Myanmar’s shadow government set up by pro-democracy activists and anti-coup people has denounced the junta ruler for taking on the role of prime minister in a caretaker administration.

Aung Myo Min, the minister for human rights in the National Unity Government (NUG), which was formed in April by various groups including members of the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, said on Monday that the move was designed to try to win legitimacy.

“The transition from a military council to a caretaker government is a reflection of the fact that they are preparing for an international diplomatic battle, trying to prove the fact that they are a government,” Aung Myo Min said in a social media post.

“However, there is no denying the fact that the military is not elected by the people.”

Lahpai Maw Htun Aung, the NUG's deputy minister of electricity and energy, also said that after six months of violence the junta was desperately attempting to win international recognition.

“Putting a sheep’s skin on a wolf doesn’t make the wolf less of a wolf.”

The junta ruler Min Aung Hlaing formed a provisional administration on Sunday, six months after the civilian government was overthrown in a coup.

In his speech, the ruler promised to hold elections in two years and said his administration would cooperate with any special envoy appointed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We will accomplish the provisions of the state of emergency by August 2023,” the junta leader said in a televised address on Sunday. “I pledge to hold multiparty elections without fail.”

The general’s announcement would place Myanmar under military rule for nearly two and a half years – instead of the initial one year that the junta had promised days after the February 1 coup.

Myanmar’s junta chief extends coup with promise of 2023 election

Myanmar

ASEAN foreign ministers were set to meet on Monday to finalize the appointment of a special envoy who will be tasked with ending the turmoil and promoting dialogue between the junta and opponents.

The country has not been at ease since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, and launched a bloody crackdown on dissent, which has badly affected the nation: at least 940 people dead.

The United Nations, China and the United States, among others, have opted in favor of ASEAN as the best mediator to find a solution for the crisis in Myanmar, which is itself a member state.

UN rights chief urges ASEAN to launch dialogue with Myanmar

The UN rights chief urges the member countries of the ASEAN bloc to start a political dialogue with the contending parties in Myanmar.

Since the junta seized power, Myanmar’s economy has collapsed, triggering a new exodus of refugees fleeing from economic hardships, worsened by the deadly army crackdown and a surge in coronavirus infections.

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